Ukrainian Sign Language Interpreter's Act of Bravery

Nataliya Dmitruk, the sign language interpreter who refused to translate lies

When people become sign language interpreters, their job is to translate. They must sign or speak words that show what people really mean.

But what if a sign language interpreter knows the person is lying?

Last winter sign language interpreter Nataliya Dmitruk decided that she could not translate lies.

Dmitruk worked in Ukraine, a country near Russia. Until 1989, Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. But even after Ukraine became independent, its leaders still followed the leaders of Russia. Viktor Yanukovych, was the Prime Minister. As prime minister, Yanukovych governed Ukraine as if it was part of Russia.

Viktor Yushenko before he was poisoned

In 2004, Viktor Yushchenko wanted his country to break free from Russia. He wanted Ukraine to be governed as an independent country. He wanted to make things better for the Ukrainian people. Many people supported Yushchenko. Ukraine had an election and Yushenko challenged Yanukovych for the job of prime minister.

But the government controlled the election. The government controlled the voting. The government controlled the newspapers. The government said that Yanukovych won. Yanukovych said that he would remain the prime minister of Ukraine. But the people knew that the government cheated.

The people wanted a new election. Dmitruk was the sign language interpreter at a television station. She knew that the government lied about the election. In the middle of interpreting, Dmitruk stopped translating. She began to tell the Ukrainian people the truth in sign language. She told them about the government's lies.

Viktor Yushenko after he was poisoned

Her action created outrage. Deaf Ukrainians were outraged about their government. They joined in what became the "Orange Revolution," the protest movement that spread throughout the Ukraine. Because of Orange Revolution, the government had a new election. This time, when the votes were counted, Yushenko won. Yanukovych was voted out. Yushenko became Ukraine's new prime minister.

But everyone could not be completely happy.

Why?

Yushenko was sick. Yanukovych and the old government had poisoned Yushenko!

Yushenko did not die from the poison. The doctors saved his life. But the poison caused an unsettling disfigurement of his face. People around the world were shocked at the horrible crime. They were shocked by Yushenko's disfigurement. But they rallied around. They continued to support him.

There is an old saying: "The truth will set you free."

By helping Ukrainians to learn the truth, Nataliya Dmitruk, the sign language interpreter who refused to translate lies, helped set her people free.

But what do others think about what happened?

Here are three opinions from a deaf student, a hearing teacher of the deaf, and a professional sign language interpreter.